Dear Parents
SCHOOL CONTINGENCY PLANS
We are in the midst of a very difficult time where we all have to pull together and support each other. We are now on an extended holiday until 14 April. We will not be sending work out or making extra work available on the Intranet during this time. Staff are working to ensure that sufficient accessible work is available online should we not open on the 14th. Staff are also being orientated on an online teaching programme in the event that the school remains closed. Parents and boys (who have school email addresses) will receive all the relevant links and setup information when necessary. Please note that this work will only apply from Tuesday, 14 April.
In the light of the President’s announcement on Sunday night and our consultation, we have had to make the following decisions:
- All holiday sports clinics, holiday clubs offered by the school, teachers or outside coaches are cancelled.
- The Skeeles’ 7s on 17 and 18 April for all age groups is cancelled.
- The Dulwich Exchange trip in late April is postponed.
- Grade 7 tour is postponed.
We will continue to plan for other events, tours and tournaments while remaining cognisant of the fact that they might have to be cancelled or postponed. Online face-to-face music lessons are also being set up and music pupils will start in the 2nd term.
Our adjusted calendar will be finalised but it might well have to be completely re-adjusted in the new term if dates and arrangements change. Essentially all plans from 14 April could be changed so we will all need to be flexible.
I know that most holiday trips to overseas are cancelled and the holidays are longer, so we will need to be creative in occupying our children. We also need to practise social distancing and follow the hygiene advice that has been publicized. Please see this link regarding social distancing provided by Professor Claudia Gray.
THANK YOU
Although we are ending on a very rushed note and in uncertain times, I do want to thank you all for your support during what has been a busy and exciting term. We enjoyed a wonderful carnival together and we will soon hear more about the proceeds.
I want to thank three teachers who came in to substitute for the term at relatively short notice – Lynne Adelbert, Sue Burgess and Anne McDonald – all former staff members, so we were very fortunate to have had their experience and wisdom for the term. Thank you to them.
Next term we welcome back Murray Anderson who is making a good recovery after a successful back operation.
NEW STAFF
Laura Cook will join us in the position of Educational Psychologist at the start of next term. She has extensive experience in counselling and learning support in schools in Gauteng.
In Steve Mendes’/Lynne Adelbert’s place we have employed Caroline Duck. She has taught Drama, Art and English, largely in the UK. She has been involved in advertising and has lectured in drama/screen acting. We look forward to welcoming them.
REPORTS
Industry Reports for Grades 4-7 have been released to myBishopsLife. Should you experience difficulty logging in, please email portal@bishops.org.za.
I hope you are able to have a restful break and stay safe and healthy.
May you have a Blessed Easter.
Kind regards
GREG BROWN
HEADMASTER |
